Thomas Vanek
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Thomas Vanek
Position: Left Wing
Born: 01/19/1984, Graz, Austria
Height: 6-2
Weight: 207 lbs.
Shoots: Right
Acquired: Buffalo Sabres’ first-round selection (fifth overall) in 2003 NHL Entry Draft… Signed a three-year deal with Buffalo on September 3, 2004.
2003-2004:
Was a member of Team Austria in the 2004 IIHF World Championships, where he collected seven points (2+5) in six games… Led the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers in goals (26) and points (51) for the second-straight season… Finished fifth in points among Division I leaders with 51 (26+25).
Career: He was the highest selection (fifth overall) for an Austrian to be drafted… Named the Twin Cities Best College Athlete for 2004… Won the 2003 NCAA National Championship and was named MVP of the Frozen Four… Named Minnesota’s team MVP for 2003 becoming the first freshman to receive the honor… Scored the most points by a Golden Gopher freshman in 2003 since Aaron Broten had 72 in 1979-80… First freshman to lead the team in scoring since Mike Antonovich in 1969-70… Netted 31 goals in his freshman season to lead the nation in goal scoring… 2003 WCHA Rookie of the Year and third Golden Gopher to win the award.
2004-2005: Played with the Sabres' minor leage affiliate Rochester Americans. Recorded 68 points in 74 games (42-26). Helped Rochester to the best record in the AHL. Finished second on the team in points, 11 points behing Chris Taylor. Led the team in goals (42) and in power play goals (25). Finished second among rookies in points and led all rookies in goals scored. The latter of which was second in the league among all players.
